WE DO THE MASHED POTATO AND THE FUNKY CHICKEN

Bowerbirds

Upper Air

  • AMG Review of Upper Air

    Amg
    Margaret Reges
    All Music Guide

    Upper Air, the Bowerbirds' second release, finds the band continuing in the vein of their first effort; this is rustic, cerebral, ramshackle music. You could call it beard rock -- it's the kind of backwoods, wild-poet-of-the-mountain sound that nods to Bon Iver, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and Iron & Wine. What makes the Bowerbirds just a touch different lies in how manipulative their songs can be, which is just to say that there are times when Upper Air is exhilarating. "House of Diamonds," what with its stormy percussion and piano chords, and its blocky guitar riffs (so carefully amplified, it almost sounds like frontman Phil Moore is punching the strings), is, in its twine-rough, woodsy way, simply electrifying. Moments like this make it clear that the Bowerbirds are able to capture that certain, heart-snagging something -- it's the kind of thing that brings to mind Arcade Fire's best moments. The Bowerbirds really are at their best when they call up this quietly fiery side of their sound. "Ghost Life"'s wordless chorus (a series of triumphant oh's) shouldn't be as convincingly uplifting as it is -- but it is, and it's a testament to the Bowerbirds' creative chemistry and pop sensibilities. Upper Air only runs into trouble when the Bowerbirds get a little too introspective; some of the slow, meandering tracks here tend to get muddily dirge-like ("Chimes"). But this is a small issue in the wake of all the twisting, strange-hearted stuff this disc has to offer. Those who weren't so sure about the Bowerbirds before might change their tune with this release -- Upper Air is a luminous, wild-eyed affair, and a solid second album to boot.

Bowerbirds: Upper Air (Review)
3 months ago

Bowerbirds' approach hasn't changed much at all on their second album, but we're not complaining.

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Review of Bowerbirds' release "Upper Air" on What's On The Hi-Fi!
4 months ago

On their sophomore release Upper Air, Raleigh, North Carolina band Bowerbirds mature their homespun, American roots sound into territory untouched by the likes of kinsman such as Bon Iver and Bonnie "Prince" Billy. While both these artists' sounds are fascinating, they can, at times, be confused and slightly impenetrable. However, Bowerbirds' Beth Tacular, Phil Moore and Mark Paulson, establish...

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Pullin’ ‘Tubes: Introducing Bowerbirds
4 months ago

A few years back the freak-folk scene seemed to be all the rage with acts like Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom and Sufjan Stevens helping to cultivate a new brand of "Cosmic American Music". With the former helping to pave the way, a new crop of acts - that includes Woods, Megafaun and Papercuts - are percolating to the surface that are worthy of your attention. Among those bands that are meld...

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Music: Bowerbirds - Beneath Your Tree
5 months ago

Bowerbirds second long-player Upper Air is set to be released July 6th (7th in the US) of this year and so far, we've already heard a new track from it (remember Northern Lights? It was rather beautiful. You can check it out HERE if not).

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25 more.....
4 months ago

Hello there fellow moggers, it's been a while. Summer is here, and the time is right...... and while I haven't been dancing in the street per say, I have been away fishing, canoeing, camping, etc..... I've just visited e-music and grabbed some stuff. James Blackshaw, as well as The Bowerbirds. Just from a cursory listen, I really liked their sound. Now I still have 25 downloads remaining, and...

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Bowerbirds offer 2nd new mp3 from upcoming album
5 months ago

"Beneath Your Tree" is the second free mp3 release from Bowerbirds from their upcoming album, Upper Air. The track is a dual vocal attack from Phil Moore and Beth Tacular who both sing a verse of lyrics before joining together as a harmonic duo.It's a pretty fun song, with Moore (who sounds somewhat like Stephen Malkmus) and the floaty/sultry voice of Tacular blended around an accordion, acoust...

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Review of Bowerbirds' release "Upper Air" on What's On The Hi-Fi!
4 months ago

On their sophomore release Upper Air, Raleigh, North Carolina band Bowerbirds mature their homespun, American roots sound into territory untouched by the likes of kinsman such as Bon Iver and Bonnie "Prince" Billy. While both these artists' sounds are fascinating, they can, at times, be confused and slightly impenetrable. However, Bowerbirds' Beth Tacular, Phil Moore and Mark Paulson, establish...

More >
Bowerbirds Confirm Euro And US Jaunt
2 months ago

Bowerbirds AKA Beth Tacular, Phil Moore and Matt Damron have just released their latest album 'Upper Air' (you can check out our review HERE) and now, the band have decided to travel for the rest of the year. Beginning on October 10th in Denmark, the threesome will hit Germany, France, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK, finishing on November 1st in Manchester.

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Bowerbirds: Upper Air (Review)
3 months ago

Bowerbirds' approach hasn't changed much at all on their second album, but we're not complaining.

More >
Bowerbirds - The Borderline, London 26/05/09
6 months ago

Beards, Opera and Smack...just your average Tuesday night out in central London then. TLOBF discovers all this and more as North Carolina's Bowerbirds play a one off show to showcase their upcoming "Upper Air" album

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Music: Bowerbirds - Northern Lights
6 months ago

Bowerdbirds are set to release their sophomore LP by the name of 'Upper Air' on July 6th (and July 7th in the US) and so to build anticipation, the band have decided to release a track from it. Entitled Northern Lights, the track works with gentle, old-school folk stylistics with a unique twist and shows heaps of promise for the upcoming studio-length.

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Pullin’ ‘Tubes: Introducing Bowerbirds
4 months ago

A few years back the freak-folk scene seemed to be all the rage with acts like Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom and Sufjan Stevens helping to cultivate a new brand of "Cosmic American Music". With the former helping to pave the way, a new crop of acts - that includes Woods, Megafaun and Papercuts - are percolating to the surface that are worthy of your attention. Among those bands that are meld...

More >
Ticket Giveaway: Bowerbirds At The Earl
3 months ago

Bowerbirds is one of those bands that I constantly move to the top of my record buying and "check out" list but still haven't given them in attention they deserve. Every track I've heard to date has caught my attention and yet I still haven't truly taken the plunge with ...

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Bowerbirds release new track, Northern Lights [new mp3]
6 months ago

Bowerbirds have released the first single from their upcoming sophomore album, Upper Air. The album is due out on July 7th. “Northern Lights” is a love song with acoustic guitar, piano and vocal harmonies similar to The Avett Brothers.Bowerbirds - Nothern Lights

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Bowerbirds Announce Sophomore Album Details
7 months ago

Folk trio Bowerbirds have announced the details for their second album. Their last two years have featured tour dates with The Mountain Goats, which led to John Darnielle calling them his favorite new band. The follow-up to their 2007 debut is titled "Upper Air", it will ...Click the link to read more

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Music: Bowerbirds - Beneath Your Tree
5 months ago

Bowerbirds second long-player Upper Air is set to be released July 6th (7th in the US) of this year and so far, we've already heard a new track from it (remember Northern Lights? It was rather beautiful. You can check it out HERE if not).

More >
Bowerbirds Fly On Upper Air
7 months ago

So two years after their debut LP 'Hymn For A Dark Horse' and here we are, the announcement of album number two. The Bowerbirds upcoming second record is titled Upper Air and you'll be up to purchase it on July 7th of this year.

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The Bowerbirds – Upper Air
about 1 month ago

Folk doesn’t get much folksier then when it’s floating, homespun, from the eco-friendly home of two lovers (an acoustic guitar and an accordion) and their friend (on percussion) in North Carolina.As with its predecessor, Hymns for a Dark Horse, Upper Air is minimal in a hemp weave sort of way, songs here talk about…

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Bowerbirds: "Northern Lights" MP3
6 months ago

Raleigh, NC indie trio Bowerbirds are scheduled to release their new album, Upper Air, on July 7th.  In anticipation, the band have just made the first song available for download.Grab it here:"Northern Lights"- MP3Bowerbirds play Sneaky Dee's in Toronto on July 14th.Bowerbirds' websiteBowerbirds' Myspace

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